Roof inspection cost by type
| Type of inspection | Installed price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Physical (visual) inspection | $75–$360 | Someone walks the roof and checks the shingles, flashing and vents |
| Drone inspection | $125–$425 | A camera flight; useful for steep or high roofs |
| Infrared (thermal) inspection | $400–$600 | A thermal camera finds hidden moisture under the surface |
Angi puts the national average at $257, from 2,573 projects, with most homeowners paying $125 to $392. HomeGuide puts the typical at $100 to $400. The prices by type are the same at Angi, Thumbtack and Forbes Home, so they come from one underlying view. Fixr puts the average higher, at $426, and gives no price by type, so we do not use it. HomeGuide includes a written report in the price.
Cost by roof size
| Roof size | Physical | Drone | Infrared |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $40–$180 | $60–$210 | $200–$300 |
| 1,700 sq ft | $60–$310 | $110–$360 | $340–$510 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $80–$360 | $130–$430 | $400–$600 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $110–$540 | $190–$640 | $600–$900 |
| 3,500 sq ft | $130–$630 | $220–$740 | $700–$1,050 |
The size steps come from Angi's table for a standard inspection, which rises in a straight line with roof area. The guides give no size breakdown for drone and infrared inspections, so the same steps are applied to them here. Most inspectors charge a flat fee, so ask for a quote.
What changes the price
- Type of inspection. A walk-on check is the cheapest; infrared costs several times as much.
- Roof size and pitch. A bigger, steeper roof takes longer, and some inspectors will not walk a steep one.
- Why you need it. A buyer, lender or insurer may ask for a certification letter, and that is an extra.
- Attic. A look at the underside of the roof is sometimes bundled and sometimes sold separately.
- Where you live. Angi prints different ranges by region, and the calculator adjusts the labor share for your state's wages.
Extras to expect
| Item | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Attic inspection | $200–$500 | To check for leaks, mold and damaged decking from below |
| Roof certification letter | $75–$200 | When a buyer, lender or insurer asks for proof of condition |
If the inspection finds a problem, see roof repair cost or roof replacement cost. For upkeep, see roof cleaning cost and gutter cleaning cost. Attic problems are covered on insulation cost and attic fan installation cost.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is the price a flat fee, and does it include a written report with photos?
- Will you walk the roof, or inspect it by drone or from a ladder?
- Do you also sell repairs, and will you tell me what you find even if I do not hire you?
- Will the report meet my lender's or insurer's requirements?
- Is the attic included?
Methodology and sources
We price each type of inspection from the published guides, take the middle of their lows, midpoints and highs, and adjust the labor share for your state's wages. Forbes Home is used as an independent cross-check. Read how we estimate costs.
- Angi: how much does a roof inspection cost — average, price by type, size table, extras
- HomeGuide: roof inspection cost — price by type, certification, attic, repairs
- Fixr: roof inspection cost — read as a comparison; it runs higher and gives no breakdown
- This Old House: what is a roof inspection — read as a comparison; it takes its data from Angi and Fixr
- Forbes Home: roof inspection cost — used as an independent cross-check
- BLS OEWS May 2025, State (SOC 47-2181, Roofers) — state labor index
What each source reports
Our estimate does not rely on any single page. This table lists each page we used and the figures it reports, so you can see where the ranges come from.
| Source | What it reports |
|---|---|
| Angi |
|
| HomeGuide |
|
Common questions about roof inspection costs
How much does roof inspection cost?
A typical job (physical inspection) comes to about $200 nationally, within a range of $80 to $360. Use the calculator above to adjust for your state, the options you choose and any extras.
What is the average cost of a roof inspection?
Angi puts the national average at $257, with most homeowners paying $125 to $392. For a standard inspection of a 2,000 sq ft roof the calculator shows $75–$360.
How much does a drone roof inspection cost?
About $125–$425. Angi puts it at $150 to $400 and HomeGuide at $100 to $450.
How much does an infrared roof inspection cost?
About $400–$600. Angi and HomeGuide both put it at $400 to $600. It finds moisture that a person walking the roof cannot see.
How much does a roof certification cost?
About $75–$200 for a signed letter on the roof's condition, according to Angi and HomeGuide.
Is a roof inspection free?
Some roofing companies offer free inspections, but Angi warns they may not be as thorough or meet your lender's or insurer's requirements. HomeGuide warns against scams that start with an unsolicited free inspection.
Does a bigger roof cost more to inspect?
Yes, at many inspectors. Angi's table puts a standard inspection of a 1,000 sq ft roof at $75 to $210 and a 3,500 sq ft roof at $265 to $735. Most local inspectors still charge a flat fee.
Does homeowners insurance pay for a roof inspection?
Angi says to check with your insurance provider. Most homeowners pay for an inspection themselves, according to Fixr, though an insurer may arrange its own after a claim.
How much does it cost to repair what the inspection finds?
Repairs are not part of the inspection. HomeGuide puts minor repairs at $150 to $1,000, and Angi puts repairs at $400 to $1,800 for most homeowners. See roof repair cost for more.
Where do these prices come from?
They come from 2 published cost pages from 2 publishers, last checked Oct 14, 2026. We report what those pages say and do not invent figures; the table above shows each source.
How does my state change the estimate?
The labor part of the price is scaled by the average wage for the relevant trade in your state, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Materials and equipment are not adjusted.
Why might a contractor's quote differ from this estimate?
A quote reflects your specific scope, access, local demand and what the contractor includes. Ask for line items rather than a single total so you can compare bids on the same basis.
All 2 sources behind these prices
Every figure in the calculator comes from one or more of these pages, with the number each one supports in the link text.